The Horny, Horny Thornfish, Marblefish, Thornfish, Variegated Marblefish, Dragonet (Bovichtus angustifrons) is a species of fish belonging to the family Bovichtidae. It is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 28.0 cm. This species can be found in a variety of marine environments, often inhabiting depths ranging from 0.0 to 30.0 meters.
Description & Characteristics
Bovichtus angustifrons is characterized by its distinctive appearance. It possesses a slender, elongated body with a prominent dorsal fin. The fish’s scales are relatively small and embedded in the skin. It is known for its varied color patterns, often displaying a combination of brown, grey, and white markings. These patterns can be quite intricate and contribute to its common names, such as “Marblefish” and “Variegated Marblefish.”
Habitat and Occurrence
The Horny, Horny Thornfish, Marblefish, Thornfish, Variegated Marblefish, Dragonet (Bovichtus angustifrons) inhabits coastal waters, typically in areas with rocky substrates and seaweed beds. It is a common sight in the shallows and can also be found in deeper waters. This species is found primarily in the neritic zone, which encompasses the waters above the continental shelf and extends out to the shelf break.
Taxonomy
The species Bovichtus angustifrons belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Bovichtidae. The Teleostei class is the most diverse group of bony fishes, encompassing a vast majority of known fish species. The Perciformes order is also incredibly diverse, containing a wide array of fish species, including perches, bass, and wrasses. The Bovichtidae family is a relatively small family of fish, with only a few species known.
Feeding
Bovichtus angustifrons is a carnivore and feeds primarily on a diet of small invertebrates. This includes a variety of crustaceans, such as amphipods, copepods, and crustacean larvae, as well as other invertebrates like worms and zoanthids. It also consumes zooplankton, including species like Daphnia salina and Mysis. Its feeding habits make it an important part of the food web in its ecosystem.
Image References